Discovering Michigan

Two days after we pulled the moving van up to our new home, we went on our first Michigan vacation. We were excited to spend time with Paul's brother, his wife and their kids, and we had the good fortune to have Paul's parents with us for a week to party with (and to help us move in.) ;) We drove 5 hours, maybe 6 north to Mackinaw Island and the surrounding areas.
I have to admit, I handle change at my own pace and I would have probably done better with more than two days to get settled before vacationing. I felt a little displaced and de-constructed, but besides having to go to the beach without my bathing suit since the right box couldn't be located, it turned out to be a really fun trip. E loved his cousins and loves to say their names. We love how he says Oly, Oly, Oly, Oly Oly, with this cute little tongue roll. He gets so excited when their names come up. I'm SO happy that they live so close!! It's hard to be away from family and their connection makes us feel a lot more at home. We were surprised and thrilled that north Lake Michigan along the tip of the state looks just like the ocean and surprisingly reminded us of "our beach" in Portland. It was perfect swimming (for everyone but me since I wore by skirt!) You could walk out on the sand bar for yards and yards. It was a gorgeous day!